Authors: (including presenting author): :
WONG PS(1), LEUNG KW(1), CHAU YS(1), LEE PY(1), TONG KW(1), YIP CW(2), WONG WY(2), TSANG KC(2), LEUNG CY(2), CHAN HY(2), LEUNG LM (1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Nursing Service Division, (2)Information Technology Department
Keyword 1: :
Appreciation
Keyword 5: :
Positive culture
Keyword 6: :
B-E-T (Behaviour-Effect-Thanks)
Introduction: :
Appreciation is a transformative tool for enhancing well-being and creating a positive workplace. It fosters positive emotions, reduces stress, and strengthens relationships, contributing to job satisfaction and resilience. However, in Hong Kong’s high-pressure healthcare environment, cultural and contextual barriers often hinder the explicit expression of gratitude.
To address this, the Nursing Services Division (NSD) of United Christian Hospital launched the Electronic Appreciation Platform (EAP)—"Let’s Praise and Say Thanks to Nurses 我要讚你!"—in May 2023. This initiative provides a structured, visible channel for peer-to-peer recognition to strengthen team cohesion and embed caring as a daily practice.
Objectives: :
The EAP aims to: 1. Increase accessibility and visibility of appreciation acts. 2. Promote meaningful expression of gratitude. 3. Foster a sustainable culture of care and recognition.
Methodology: :
The EAP was designed as an easy-to-use digital platform to increase the frequency and visibility of appreciation among nurses. It incorporates templates based on the Behaviour-Effect-Thanks (B-E-T) principle to guide staff in expressing genuine and specific gratitude. These templates encourage users to highlight specific actions, their positive impact, and express sincere thanks. Launched in May 2023, the platform was promoted via the NSD homepage, nursing forums, appreciation booths, and hospital-wide events. Its user-friendly design ensures seamless integration of recognition into daily workflows.
Result & Outcome: :
From May 2023 to May 2025, the EAP achieved significant outcomes: 1. High Adoption and Engagement The platform facilitated 1,277 appreciation exchanges, with consistent usage across all nursing ranks and units. 2. Effective Expression of Gratitude Feedback showed the B-E-T templates effectively guided users in crafting specific, heartfelt messages. Staff reported that the structured format made it easier to express genuine thanks and highlight contributions’ significance. Qualitative feedback also revealed improvements in team morale, strengthened relationships, and a more supportive work environment. Conclusion
The Electronic Appreciation Platform is a theory-based intervention that transforms appreciation into a sustained practice. By combining accessibility with structured B-E-T communication, the platform successfully fosters a visible culture of recognition and care. This initiative aligns with the Hospital Authority’s (HA) commitment to staff well-being and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
